December 12, 2015

Frank Sinatra ~ Blue Eyes @ 100

photographer unknown


One hundred years ago today, December 12, 1915, Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra (/sɨˈnɑːtrə/; was born in Hoboken, New Jersey.   

He was an American jazz and traditional pop singer, songwriter, actor, producer and director, who was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide. 

Born to Italian immigrants, he began his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey. He found success as a solo artist after being signed by Columbia Records in 1943, becoming the idol of the "bobby soxers". I remember his voice when I heard it on the radio and I could hear the girls screaming in the background; I thought he had the smoothest crooning voice on the scene. WOW! Was he hot! He released his first album, The Voice of Frank Sinatra, in 1946.  


Frank Sinatra
Studio portrait, February 1945





Sinatra's professional career had stalled by the early 1950s, and he migrated to Las Vegas, where he became one of its best known performers as part of the Rat Pack.         




His career was reborn in 1953 with the success of the film, From Here to Eternity. Sinatra won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role of Private Angelo Maggio.          



He signed with Capitol Records and released several critically acclaimed albums including In the Wee Small Hours (1955), Songs for Swingin' Lovers! (1956), Come Fly with Me (1958), Only the Lonely (1958) and Nice 'n' Easy (1960).    

For me, his very best work was in the album, September of My Years, released, appropriately, in September  of 1965. There was never a finer album than this one. Sinatra had matured but so had his voice with warmth and emotion; also, he'd gained the perception of a man with a lifetime of living. In addition, the songs he chose were insightful and superb (see link below). 

Frank Sinatra 
TV still, 1965






Happy birthday, Blue Eyes! 




Net link:       
      
Frank Sinatra ~ September of My Years



Styrous® ~ Saturday, December 12, 2015

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